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Forests & Chain of Custody

An Environment Resource Center Asset
from Graphic Communications

Forest certification is a tool that assures buyers of forest products that such products originate from well-managed forests. Credible programs are audited by third-party certifying bodies, and products are tracked from forest to end user through auditable tracking systems.

Read on to understand the importance, process and implication of working with forest-certified materials and service providers, like Graphic Communications. Put the stories below together with other resources from our Environment pages to increase your overall comprehension:

Environmental Paper Calculator
Environment News
Tools & Guides
Recycling Resources
Climate Change
Green Labeling
Carbon Accounting
Water Conservation & Sustainability
Lacey Act

A Summary Comparison of SFI and FSC Certification in North America
This document provides a comparison of the Sustainable Forestry Initiative Inc. (SFI) and Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) programs in North America.

Under Pressure USDA Forced to Re-examine GE Eucalyptus Permitting
Groups force USDA to re-release its draft environmental assessment on genetically engineered eucalyptus trees for southern U.S. forests.

Is There Enough Biomass for Energy?
Waste wood has become a sought-after commodity, prompting concerns that the demand might overwhelm supply and damage the ecosystem.

Metafore’s Forest Certification Glossary
Refer to this glossary from Metafore to learn about forest certification terminology.

Metafore’s Forest Certification Resource Center
Metafore’s Forest Certification Resource Center can help businesses and consumers make informed decisions about forest certification.

Wood for Energy: The Pros and Cons of Biomass Plants
Would burning wood on a large scale to produce electricity be a boon or a bane?  It depends on who you talk to.

Paper Fiber Cycle FAQs
Metafore has compiled answers to frequently asked questions about the paper fiber cycle in Canada and the United States.

Defining the Paper Fiber Cycle
Browse through this document from Metafore to learn about the paper fiber cycle.

The Fiber Cycle in Canada and the United States
This presentation from Metafore explains how tree fiber for paper products is utilized and managed in Canada and the United States.

Launch of Pilot Project to Increase Forest Certification in Maine
Time Inc. and Hearst Enterprises will work with landowners in Maine to help them achieve third-party forest certification.

20% of Land Deforested in the Brazilian Amazon is Regrowing Forest
At least 20 percent of land deforested in the Brazilian Amazon is regrowing forest, reports Brazil’s National Institute for Space Research (INPE).

Flowering Permit for Important Biomass Crop Awaiting Evaluation
The permit filed for ArborGen’s Freeze Tolerant Eucalyptus will determine if existing field trials will be allowed to flower.

FSC Publishes Latest List of Certified Papers
Forest Stewardship Council notes: to use the FSC logo on printed materials, they must be printed by a certified printer on certified paper.

Greenpeace’s Conservation-based Economy in Boreal Forest
Agency seeks to protect the health and integrity of forests, and guide consumers and the industry towards a new era of sustainability and accountability.

Green Seal
Green Seal validates environmental excellence by certifying everything from coffee filters to air chillers in stores such as Whole Foods and Lowe’s.

Green-e
Green-e is the nation’s leading voluntary certification program for renewable energy in the retail market.

Trees are the Answer
Greenpeace founder Dr. Patrick Moore spoke at AbitibiBowater Sept. 08 event about how forests can play a powerful role in the environment.

What is Chain of Custody?
This diagram from Graphic Communications shows the trail of certified paper from the forest to the printer.

Primary Forest Certification Systems
A comparative look at FSC, SFI, PEFC, and CSA, and how they operate.

Global Certified Forestland Ownership
Learn about forest certification, particularly in North America, from this Metafore presentation.

SFI Chain of Custody Guidelines
The Sustainable Forestry Initiative provides insight into how to become certified by the SFI program.

Understanding FSC CoC Certification and Labeling
This document from Verso Paper breaks down the Forest Stewardship Council’s Chain of Custody definitions and requirements.

Understanding PEFC
Get to know how PEFC is committed to promoting sustainable forest management through independent third party forest certification.

PEFC Position Paper: Conversions
Get an overview of the concerns, perceptions, and reactions surrounding paper conversions.


If you have environment information or tools you’d like us to consider sharing here, please contact our Director of Environmental Affairs, Ralph O’Connor.